USDA to inspect ground meat for bone marrow, spinal cord

Consumers groups pleased, but want results

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Consumer groups have complained for
several years that ground beef, sausage and hot dogs contain
bone marrow, and sometimes even bits of spinal cord.

They say that the meat in animals necks and other hard-to-
reach places is removed from the bone by machine, which is
not as precise as when it is done by hand. Thus, there is a
greater likelihood that pieces of bone marrow and spinal cord
will find their way into meat that has been processed by
boning machines.

It is estimated that such machines produce 400 million pounds
of ground meat a year that is then mixed in with other ground
meat.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
confirms consumers' complaints. It found that there was, on
average, 20 times more bone marrow in meat separated by
machine than in meat removed by hand.

It also found other problems in the process known as
"advanced meat recovery."

Agriculture department officials insist meat is safe. Still,
they are going to tell inspectors to make sure no spinal cord
goes into the machines, and it is considering using chemical
tests to confirm it. And for good reason.

Consumer pleased, but want to see the results

The "mad cow" disease that has troubled Britain and Europe
has never been detected in cows in the United States. But if
a cow did get sick, the deadly brain disease could spread
through the spinal cord tissue and infect anyone who ate it.

"We're constantly aware that this could be a problem," says
Kay Wachsmuth of the USDA, "and we are watching both the
animal and human side of things."

Consumer groups say they're pleased the government is taking
another look at the matter, but will wait and see whether it
actually results in less bone marrow in meat.

"This doesn't meet the legal definition of meat, and there's
a potential problem in relation to spinal cord," says Robert
Hahn of Public Voice.

"The meat industry has repeated often that 'consumer
confidence is our chief concern.' Therefore, if USDA
identifies new procedures to improve a product, we will give
the agency our full support."

You can't tell by looking at the label whether meat has been
mechanically separated from the bone, and the USDA has no
plans to change that. But two fast food giants-- McDonald's
and Burger King-- say they don't use such meat.